Ambassador Li Baodong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, Talks to the Media about the Syrian Issue

2012/03/06

(Photo: Bai Jie/Xinhua News Agency)

On March 6, Ambassador Li Baodong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, accepted an interview from Xinhua News Agency and other media outlets on the issue of Syria.

Ambassador Li said that China follows closely the developments of the situation in Syria, supports political settlement of the Syrian crisis, and has made unremitting efforts to this end. In the final analysis, the Syrian affairs should be determined independently by the Syrian people. No foreign forces should intervene in the internal affairs of Syria by force, or push for "regime change". The use or threat of sanctions will not help resolve the Syrian issue.

Ambassador Li said that China has no selfish interests in the Syrian issue. We do not shield anyone, or intentionally oppose anyone. We respect the sovereignty of Syria and the choice of its people. Last month, China vetoed the Security Council draft resolution on Syria. Our goal was to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the basic norms governing international relations, and the right of the Syrian people to determine their own affairs.

Ambassador Li said that, a few days ago, China put forward a six-point proposition on political solution of the Syrian issue. I am pleased to note that China's positions and propositions have gained extensive support and attention from the international community. The Syrian government and all the relevant parties should put an immediate end to violence, and launch the political process and dialogue at an early date.

Ambassador Li said that we have taken note of the new developments on the Syrian issue. The Joint Special Envoy Mr. Kofi Annan will soon leave for Syria on a good offices mission. Ms. Valerie Amos, UN Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs, has also set off on a visit to Syria. Before her departure, I had an in-depth exchange of views with Ms. Amos on Syria's humanitarian situation. Special Envoy Annan also made a point to consult China's views and proposals on the Syrian issue. China supports their good offices efforts and visits, and hopes that this will contribute to the political settlement of the Syrian issue and help coordinate the humanitarian relief efforts in Syria. China is ready to offer humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.